Bottom surgery is a major surgery that can take several weeks to fully recover from. During the first few days after surgery, you will likely be in the hospital or a surgical center. You will have pain medication and be monitored by your medical team.
Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to continue to rest and care for your surgical site. You will also need to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking pain medication and other medications.
Here are some of the things you can expect during your recovery from bottom surgery:
- Pain: You will likely experience pain in the surgical area for several days after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage your pain.
- Swelling: Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. It will peak around 3-5 days after surgery and then gradually subside over the next few weeks.
- Discharge: You may experience some vaginal discharge after surgery. This is normal and should clear up on its own within a few weeks.
- Dilation: If you have had vaginoplasty, you will need to dilate your vagina regularly for the first few months after surgery. This helps to keep the vagina open and prevents it from shrinking.
- Activity: You will need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery. This includes activities such as lifting heavy objects, running, and biking.
- Sexual intercourse: You should not have sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully during your recovery from bottom surgery. This will help you heal properly and avoid complications.
Here are some additional tips for a smooth recovery:
- Get plenty of rest.This will help your body heal.
- Eat a healthy diet.This will give you the nutrients you need to recover.
- Stay hydrated.Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your body hydrated.
- Take your medications as prescribed.This will help to manage your pain and prevent infection.
- Monitor your incisions for signs of infection.If you notice any redness, swelling, or drainage, contact your doctor immediately.
Recovery from bottom surgery can be a challenging process, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. With proper care and attention, you will be able to heal and enjoy your new body.
Post-operative care following bottom surgery (gender confirmation surgery or genital reconstruction surgery) varies depending on the specific procedure performed, whether it’s male-to-female (MTF) or female-to-male (FTM) surgery. The following are some general guidelines and considerations for post-operative care after MTF or FTM bottom surgery:
MTF Bottom Surgery (Vaginoplasty):
- Wound Care: Proper wound care is crucial to promote healing and prevent infection. This may involve regular cleaning, dressing changes, and following specific instructions provided by the surgeon.
- Dilating: Dilating is an important part of post-operative care for maintaining the depth and width of the neovagina. Dilators, usually provided by the surgeon, are gradually inserted into the neovagina to prevent contraction and maintain vaginal dimensions.
- Pain Management: Managing pain and discomfort is essential during the recovery period. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medications to help alleviate any post-operative pain.
- Activity Restrictions: Following surgery, it is important to limit physical activity and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a specific period as advised by your surgeon.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon are essential to monitor healing progress, address any concerns or complications, and make necessary adjustments to your post-operative care plan.
- Emotional Support: The recovery period after bottom surgery can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to have a strong support system and access to mental health professionals who specialize in transgender healthcare to assist with any emotional or psychological needs.
FTM Bottom Surgery (Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty):
- Wound Care: Similar to MTF surgery, proper wound care is crucial to promote healing and prevent infection. This may involve keeping the surgical site clean, following specific dressing changes, and adhering to instructions provided by the surgeon.
- Catheter Care: After surgery, a urinary catheter may be inserted to assist with urine drainage. Proper care and maintenance of the catheter are essential, and your surgeon will provide specific instructions.
- Pain Management: Managing post-operative pain and discomfort is important. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medications to help alleviate any discomfort.
- Restricted Activities: Following surgery, there will be restrictions on physical activities to allow for proper healing. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding limitations on movement, lifting, and exercise.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon are important for monitoring healing progress, addressing any complications, and adjusting your post-operative care plan as needed.
- Emotional Support: The recovery period after bottom surgery can be emotionally challenging. Having a support system in place and access to mental health professionals experienced in transgender healthcare is important to address any emotional or psychological needs.
It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and guidance for post-operative care after bottom surgery, as individual cases can vary. Your surgeon and healthcare team will provide detailed instructions and support throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.